Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Rachel Johnson

Acworth,GA

Summary

Dedicated healthcare professional with over 13 years of experience as a surgical technologist, bringing extensive knowledge of medical terminology, oncology procedures, and patient care workflows. Skilled in accurately reviewing operative reports, pathology findings, and clinical documentation with a strong focus on detail and data integrity. Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in high-pressure surgical environments, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. Currently pursuing transition into the cancer registry field, leveraging clinical expertise, analytical skills, and a commitment to supporting cancer research, treatment outcomes, and data-driven decision-making.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Certified Surgical Technologist Internal Traveler

Northside Hospital
07.2023 - 04.2025
  • Setup operating and surgery rooms by preparing equipment and supplies for upcoming procedures.
  • Demonstrated adaptability when faced with emergency situations or unexpected complications during surgeries, providing prompt support to surgical teams.
  • Expedited surgery room turnover times by swiftly preparing operating rooms for subsequent surgeries, maximizing efficiency within the department.
  • Assisted surgeons in complex procedures, ensuring efficient completion and minimized complications.
  • Reduced surgery time by effectively anticipating surgeon''s needs and providing timely assistance.
  • Enhanced patient safety by maintaining a sterile surgical environment and adhering to strict protocols.
  • Gathered and set up equipment, tools, and supplies and arrange instruments according to surgeons' preferences or instruction.
  • Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological, and plastic surgery procedures.
  • Streamlined workflow by organizing instruments efficiently on the back table according to procedure requirements.
  • Prepared instruments for terminal sterilization and reset surgical suites for next procedure.
  • Worked as part of an internal traveler pool available to all five Northside campuses and able to scrub in assist in all types of surgeries offered by these facilities including but not limited to orthopedics, neuro, general, plastics, robotic gynecological/general/urology, ENT, vascular, endovascular, bariatrics, and maxillofacial,

Traveling Certified Surgical Technologist

Northeast Georgia Medical Center
03.2023 - 06.2023
  • Anticipated surgeons needs and handed instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures at a level one trauma center facility.
  • Ensured proper handling of specimens during surgeries, aiding in accurate diagnostic results for patients.
  • Scrubbed and assisted in all types of surgical procedures offered including but not limited to level one trauma, orthopedics, neuro, general, plastics, vascular, endovascular, bariatrics, robotic gyn/general/urology, and maxillofacial.
  • Evaluated procedure needs and set up equipment, tools, supplies, and instruments.
  • Mentored junior staff members on proper techniques and best practices within the field of surgical technology, promoting professional growth among peers.
  • Performed accurate instrument counts, preventing potential surgical complications due to retained items.
  • Contributed to reduced infection rates by diligently practicing proper sterilization techniques for instruments and equipment.

Traveling Certified Surgical Technologist

Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital
09.2021 - 02.2023
  • Scrubbed in and assisted in the orthopedic and spine surgical unit of the hospital working in all types of both ortho and neurosurgeries.
  • Contributed to surgical team efficiency by anticipating surgeon needs and promptly supplying required instruments.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes throughout the perioperative process.
  • Maintained compliance with regulatory standards through strict adherence to facility policies and OSHA guidelines.
  • Facilitated effective communication among surgical team members, leading to seamless collaboration during procedures.
  • Safeguarded patient confidentiality by diligently managing sensitive medical information in accordance with facility policies and legal requirements.
  • Minimized surgical complications by accurately interpreting and executing surgeon instructions during procedures.

Traveling Certified Surgical Technologist

Saint Louis University Hospital
03.2021 - 07.2021
  • Scrubbed in and assisted in all surgical procedures offered at this facility including but not limited to level one trauma, orthopedics, neuro, plastics, ENT, vascular, endovascular, robotics, general, and uncology.
  • Kept abreast of industry advancements through ongoing professional development activities, resulting in enhanced skill sets and knowledge base.
  • Improved surgical outcomes by maintaining a sterile environment and assisting in the proper use of surgical instruments.
  • Increased surgical suite productivity by efficiently organizing tools and equipment for easy access during procedures.
  • Assisted surgeons in diverse specialties, adapting seamlessly to various procedures and facility requirements.

Traveling Certified Surgical Technologist

Metrowest Medical Center
11.2020 - 02.2021
  • I signed on for a crisis contract at the height of covid at a small regional hospital that had recently started offering orthopedic surgery. The permanent operating room staff at the facility had no experience in ortho so I was contracted to not only scrub cases but also train the staff in orthopedics for 13 weeks.
  • Assumed leadership responsibilities as needed, guiding junior team members and fostering a supportive work environment conducive to learning.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by swiftly acclimating to new facilities, staff, and operational processes while traveling between assignments.
  • Reduced risk of infection through diligent sterilization of surgical instruments and adherence to aseptic techniques.
  • Ensured timely completion of surgeries with accurate instrument counts and efficient equipment setup and breakdown.
  • Supported positive patient experiences by providing compassionate care before, during, and after surgery.

Traveling Certified Surgical Technologist

Grady Memorial Hospital
02.2020 - 11.2020
  • Worked as a local contractor scrubbing in and assisting during any and all types of surgeries offered by Grady including but not limited to level one trauma, burns, general, ortho, neuro, vascular, endovascular, plastics, uncology, oral maxillofacial, bariatrics, and robotic gyn/general/urology.
  • Passed instruments and supplies to surgical team members to provide surgeons with necessary tools to complete procedures.
  • Reduced infection risks and protected patients by maintaining sterile fields during procedures.
  • Promoted an atmosphere conducive to healing by addressing patient concerns empathetically while safeguarding their privacy rights according to HIPAA regulations.

Surgical Technology Professor

Altierus Career College
11.2019 - 11.2020
  • Worked as a surgical technology instructor teaching college students Surgical Procedures 1 & 2 and Medical Terminology as part of the associates degree program.
  • Enhanced student understanding by designing interactive and engaging lectures.
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
  • Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction.
  • Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
  • Evaluated student progress using both formative and summative assessments to provide targeted feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Ensured curriculum alignment with academic standards through regular course review and updates.
  • Instructed and evaluated students in classroom in alignment with college mission by incorporating innovative teaching and learning strategies.

Certified Surgical Technologist

Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center
06.2016 - 12.2019
  • Lead surgical technologist for orthopedic trauma also scrubbing cases in level one trauma, neuro, general, plastics, vascular, gynecology, urology, and oral maxillofacial recontruction.
  • Created unobstructive operative fields by using retractors, sponges, and suction and irrigating equipment.
  • Delivered exemplary assistance and support to surgeons during general, gynecological, orthopedic, neurological, and plastic surgery procedures.
  • Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care throughout the entire perioperative process.
  • Prepared instruments for terminal sterilization and reset surgical suites for next procedure.

Certified Surgical Technologist

Meridian Mark Outpatient Surgery
05.2015 - 06.2016
  • Scrubbed in to assist with orthopedic, robotic, plastic, maxillofacial, general, and gynecological surgery at a Northside hospital same day surgery center.
  • Created safe operating environments for non-invasive procedures.
  • Supported colleagues by serving as a resource on surgical technology best practices, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Collected, prepared and disposed of medical specimens.
  • Introduced new staff members to training protocols regarding operating room procedures, infection control, safety standards, and overall facility policies.

Certified Surgical Technologist

Williamsport Regional Medical Center
09.2013 - 05.2015
  • Assisted as a surgical technologist in the main hospital operating room in all types of surgical procedures including orthopedics, general, gynecological, vascular, plastic/reconstructive, ENT, urological, and neuro surgeries.
  • Was a member of the Davinci Robotics team specializing in robotic hysterectomies, prostatectomies, and nephrectomies.
  • Streamlined workflow by organizing instruments efficiently on the back table according to procedure requirements.
  • Expanded knowledge of surgical procedures through continuous professional development, staying current with industry advancements.
  • Achieved consistent performance evaluations through dedication to excellence in patient care, teamwork, and adherence to established protocols.
  • Maintained high infection control standards.
  • Created safe operating environments for invasive and non-invasive procedures.

Certified Surgical Technologist

Mount Nittany Medical Center
08.2012 - 09.2013
  • Worked as a surgical technologist in the main hospital operating room in all types of surgical procedures including orthopedics, general, gynecological, vascular, urological, plastic/reconstructive, maxillofacial, ENT and neuro surgeries.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by actively participating in department meetings and offering constructive feedback on surgical processes.
  • Managed operating room setup by cleaning and sterilizing instruments and surfaces, maintaining supply inventories, and organizing surgical tools.
  • Provided comprehensive support to surgeons specializing in sports medicine, total joint replacement, spine, and orthopedic trauma treatment.
  • Supported surgeons during cosmetic surgeries, gynecological and orthopedic procedures and general appointments.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Surgical Technology

Pennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, PA
08.2012

Academic Diploma - undefined

South Williamsport Junior-Senior High School
South Williamsport, PA
06.2004

Skills

  • Oncology and surgical procedures
  • Medical terminology and anatomy
  • Instructing in surgical technology both on-site and in classroom settings
  • Clinical documentation accuracy
  • Operative and Pathology report review
  • Cancer staging concepts (AJCC, SEER, NAACCR)
  • Biohazardous waste disposal
  • Patient positioning expertise
  • Specimen collection
  • Wound dressing
  • HIPAA proficiency
  • Medical terminology proficiency
  • Sterile field management

Certification

  • Nationally Certified Surgical Technologist
  • Passed CST exam to obtain certification.
  • Williamsport, PA July 2012. Passed again, March 2019.
  • Basic Life Support 9/2023

Timeline

Certified Surgical Technologist Internal Traveler

Northside Hospital
07.2023 - 04.2025

Traveling Certified Surgical Technologist

Northeast Georgia Medical Center
03.2023 - 06.2023

Traveling Certified Surgical Technologist

Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital
09.2021 - 02.2023

Traveling Certified Surgical Technologist

Saint Louis University Hospital
03.2021 - 07.2021

Traveling Certified Surgical Technologist

Metrowest Medical Center
11.2020 - 02.2021

Traveling Certified Surgical Technologist

Grady Memorial Hospital
02.2020 - 11.2020

Surgical Technology Professor

Altierus Career College
11.2019 - 11.2020

Certified Surgical Technologist

Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center
06.2016 - 12.2019

Certified Surgical Technologist

Meridian Mark Outpatient Surgery
05.2015 - 06.2016

Certified Surgical Technologist

Williamsport Regional Medical Center
09.2013 - 05.2015

Certified Surgical Technologist

Mount Nittany Medical Center
08.2012 - 09.2013

Academic Diploma - undefined

South Williamsport Junior-Senior High School

Associate of Applied Science - Surgical Technology

Pennsylvania College of Technology

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